On Sunday, Israel’s main international airport, Ben Gurion Airport, was briefly shut down after a missile fired from Yemen landed nearby, following failed interception attempts. The Israeli military’s air defense system, including the Arrow interceptor and the US-deployed THAAD system, attempted to stop the missile but were unsuccessful.
Flights were grounded for about 30 minutes, highlighting the vulnerabilities in Israel’s defense despite its reputation for advanced missile systems. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are reviewing the results of the interception attempts.
Houthi Missile Attack on Israel’s Airport Sparks Retaliation and Heightened Security Concerns
The missile attack was claimed by the Houthi rebel group in Yemen, which stated the assault was in retaliation against Israel for its actions in Gaza. This marks the first successful strike on Israel’s international airport by the Houthis. Yahya Saree, the group’s spokesperson, confirmed the use of a hypersonic ballistic missile. The attack underscores the Houthis’ ability to reach distant targets, despite extensive US military campaigns aimed at limiting their missile capabilities.
Houthi Missile Evades Defenses, Shuts Down Israeli Airport and Triggers Retaliation ThreatsIn response to the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that the country would take further action against the Houthis, stating that this was not a one-time retaliation and that future strikes were imminent. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of a “sevenfold” response. The Israeli security cabinet convened to discuss the breach, which is considered a major security lapse given the airport’s high level of protection. Trains to and from the airport were suspended, and the public was advised to avoid the area.
Growing Concerns Over Houthi Missiles’ Accuracy and Israel’s Vulnerabilities to Advanced Threats
Military experts have raised concerns about the accuracy and capability of the missile launched by the Houthis, noting that it showed remarkable precision despite being fired from a distance of approximately 2,000 kilometers. Amir Bar Shalom, an Israeli military analyst, emphasized that the missile’s ability to penetrate Israel’s air defenses must be taken seriously. The Houthis claim that their missiles are equipped with advanced stealth technology and high maneuverability, making them difficult to intercept.
This missile strike is part of a broader pattern of Houthi attacks on Israel, which have included previous strikes on Tel Aviv and other locations. Despite Israel’s advanced defense systems, some Houthi missiles have gotten through, resulting in injuries and damage. Israel has retaliated with military strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, but US military efforts to weaken the group have also largely failed to prevent missile launches targeting Israel. The ongoing conflict has raised significant concerns about the effectiveness of missile defense systems in the face of evolving threats.